title: What are the lessons of recent obstetric legal cases?
abstract: In this chapter, I review the ways in which the courts have handled a number of obstetric cases that have been brought to trial in the last 5 years, and compare the ways in which cases were approached previously. The aim is to draw lessons for the benefit of lawyers, patients, doctors, midwives, expert witnesses, and hospital managers. The increasing complexity of modern obstetric patients, the rising expectations of society, the shortage of experienced staff on labour wards, and unrealistic expectations of some experts all make it difficult for the courts to handle these cases.
authors.affiliation: 40 Villiers Street, London WC2N 6NJ, UK. b.leigh@hempsons.co.uk
authors.forename: Bertie
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Leigh
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000002:abnormalities*; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D004420:Dystocia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D016365:Liability, Legal; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000209:etiology; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal
keywords: GBS leading to chorioamnionitis; McRoberts manoeuvre; fractured skull at caesarean section; schitzencephaly missed at routine ultrasound scanning; shoulder dystocia